When it comes to impeccable hair, the Princess of Wales never puts a foot wrong. The wife of Prince William has become a hair icon with her cascading brunette locks – but they haven’t always been so long and infused with sandy highlights.
In 2017, as long-term fans of the royal will remember, Kate, now 44, attended day one of the Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. The then-Duchess of Cambridge turned heads with her black and white polka dot Dolce & Gabbana dress – but also with her bob haircut.
© Getty ImagesIt’s a style that Melissa Timperley, a celebrity hairstylist with 15 years of experience, says works well with her facial structure. “It highlights the natural movement and density of her hair while framing her features in a soft, balanced way. The mid-length cut allows her cheekbones and jawline to stand out without overwhelming her face,” the stylist explains.
“It also gives her hair enough weight to look glossy and healthy, while still offering the versatility she’s known for, from polished waves to smooth, classic blow dries.”
Kate puts her spin on ‘mum’ hair
© Getty ImagesKate was a proud mum of two, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte being four and two years old at the time of her Wimbledon outing. With her refreshed hairdo, Kate manages to side-step the idea of ‘mum’ hair, which can get a bad rap.
“The finish is elevated, glossy, healthy, and styled with movement rather than being overly layered or cropped for convenience.”
© PoolMelissa says she avoids the stereotypical ‘mum hair’ label by keeping her cuts incredibly polished and intentional. She tells us: “The length is practical, but the finish is elevated, glossy, healthy, and styled with movement rather than being overly layered or cropped for convenience.”
She continues: “She chooses shapes that feel sophisticated rather than purely functional, and she always maintains that signature bounce and shine. It’s a great example of how a practical length can still feel luxurious, modern, and full of personality.”
Kate’s hair switch-up with darkest hue
© GettyThe freshness of her look can also be attributed to the sumptuous dark chocolate brown hue. Melissa says this colour enhances the warmth in her complexion and brings out the richness of her eye colour: “Darker tones give her hair a naturally glossy, expensive-looking finish, which complements her classic style.
“The colour also adds depth and dimension to her waves, making the overall look feel fuller and more defined. It’s a shade that feels timeless, grounding her features while still looking soft and elegant.”
Modernising her crop for 2026
© The RFU Collection via Getty ImaA shorter do was the look that saw her through her pregnancy with Prince Louis, signalling a new era as a mother of three compared to the long blow-dried style she wore in 2013 and 2015 as a new mum to Prince George and Princess Charlotte respectively.
© GettyThough nine years have passed since Kate debuted this style, Melissa says there are ways she could modernise the look if she were to bring it back for 2026. She explains: “She could add in softer layers around the face, a looser bend through the mid-lengths, or make the ends slightly blunter. This would add a fresh, fashion‑forward edge while still maintaining her signature refinement.”
A stark contrast
© Getty ImagesIt’s a look that couldn’t be further from the princess’ most recent hair moment. While stepping out at the BAFTAs on Sunday, Kate rocked brushed-out fluffy curls that tumbled past her shoulders and down her back.
© Getty ImagesTogether with her soft mauve Gucci gown, she looked straight from Sleeping Beauty, creating a moment that leaned towards a whimsical aesthetic – far more ethereal than her prim and proper polka dot look. When it comes to her hair, Kate is the ultimate style chameleon.
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